A Professional Development Program (PDP) is just what it says – an opportunity for professional staff to undertake professional development. The University provides a range of opportunities for professional staff to maintain and improve their professional knowledge through the professional development program scheme. Such programs are expected to enhance the professional and vocational knowledge and skills of the staff member on a personal level, with respect to their current and future employment at QUT. The Professional Development Program (PDP) for Professional Staff is administered centrally by the PDP(PS) Committee to ensure that professional staff at all levels and from all areas of the University have access to professional development opportunities. Professional staff, including research assistants and senior research assistants, are eligible to apply for professional development leave.
The program enables professional staff to:
- maintain and improve professional and vocational knowledge
- obtain practical experience in the workplace in activities not available in the University
- where appropriate, undertake specialised project work as approved by the University
- attend conferences and visit other organisations.
What sort of professional development activities can I undertake?
What sort of professional development activities can I undertake?
The QUT scheme assists professional staff to (among other things):
- attend conferences
- make study visits to a variety of organisations
- participate in technical skills or other training
- gain work experience at other organisations/institutions.
Examples of programs undertaken
The Professional Development Program (Professional Staff) does not support leave to undertake study. However, if the study leave is combined with other development activities (for example conference attendance or visits to other organisations), funding may be granted for these activities.
The Vice-Chancellor may require a staff member on a professional development program to carry out duties relevant to QUT's activities.
Special initiatives
The policy on the professional development program for professional staff (MOPP B/12.14.2) states that:
Professional Development Program (Professional Staff) Committee may, within the context of overall University strategies and objectives, nominate areas or groups of staff to which priority will be given in a particular round of applications.
In this light, a number of conferences which are predominantly attended by staff employed at HEW6 or below are specifically supported by the Professional Development Program (Professional Staff).
In 2008, the following conferences will be specifically supported by the PDP(PS):
- Office Professionals Conference 2008 28/29 August, Victoria Park Function Venue, Herston, Brisbane [5 places supported]
- NAFEA Conference (National Association of Field Experience Administrators) 17 November, Wollongong [5 places supported]
For additional information, contact: Cathy Rodier (c.rodier@qut.edu.au) - TechNet 08 4/5 December, Wollongong [10 places supported]
- AHRI 2008 Leadership Conference 2 September, Sofitel Brisbane [6 places supported]
Am I eligible?
All professional staff, including research assistants and senior research assistants [at HEW10 or below]:
- with an ongoing appointment or on a fixed term contract*
- who have completed 12 months continuous employment at QUT before undertaking a program
- whose employment is assured beyond the completion of the program*
- who have not had PDP leave in the last two years
are eligible.
*If you are on a fixed-term contract which finishes shortly after your PDP, you will need to provide a letter from your supervisor, assuring your future employment, with your application.
Where can I go?
Generally, programs are undertaken outside QUT. They may be:
- local
- national
- international.
Wherever the best opportunity exists for you to gain the best experience.
How long can my program last?
- Minimum is generally 5 working days (may be less for HEW6 and below)
- Maximum is normally up to 6 months
- Up to 12 months' leave may be granted on the Committee’s recommendation and at the Registrar’s discretion.
What support will I receive?
- All travel costs: airfares, car hire, taxis etc
- Some accommodation/meals allowance (approximately $40 per day)
- HEW6 and below may get conference fees paid
- HEW6 and below may get some contribution to ‘backfilling’ their position while they are on professional development leave.
Some support from the local area is usually expected.
More information on the nature and level of support provided by the PDP Committee funds.